I recently returned from a trip to Sicily where lost luggage was a major topic of conversation. A couple of friends in my travel party had their luggage delivered two days after they arrived in Taormina. On the trip home my luggage took a short detour to France.

What is a traveler to do?

I avoid the lost luggage risk going to my destination by packing light and only taking carry-on bags even if I will be gone for several weeks. I realize this a challenge, particularly for women, but you can do it if you try by reminding yourself that if you need something it is the perfect excuse to go shopping.

You can't possibly pack enough to meet every possible need that may arise without bringing a steamer trunk so accept the challenge to pack lightly. And, be prepared to rinse a few things out in the bathroom sink.

Rome, Italy's main airport is Fiumicino. The airport's name was actually changed a number of years ago from Fiumicino to Leonardo da Vinici Airport, but most Italians and the rest of the world still use Fiumicino.

There are three main terminals at Rome, Italy's Fiumicino airport:

Terminal A handles domestic flights
Terminal B handles both international and domestic flights
Terminal C handles international flights

Most gates at Fiumicino lead directly to the plane; however, there are still a number of gates where passengers have to be bused to their planes. Let your airline know if you have physical restrictions that will make such a transfer difficult.